Halloween

She had been anticipating this day for months. She knew what she wanted to be, but over the past few weeks, some of her costume ideas didn't pan out. Thankfully her sister found time to collaborate the night before and these two creative girls found a way to realize Leah's vision.

Ahh, a cute bunny

A cute bunny doesn't win "Most Original Costume".  No, our sweet child welcomed Halloween as Road Kill. Here she is with Zombie and Vampire Fairy:

Gore and gruesome carried over to my world as my colleagues and I carved this revolting pumpkin at a charity event on Friday:

We were awarded 3rd place.

Next year we will contract Evann and Leah to design costumes for us. My kids aren't going to be the only ones winning top prizes.

Cross Country Champ

Last night, we plotted strategy while cuddling in bed:

- Get in the lead pack as early as possible.

- Keep a comfortable pace.

- Be ready to sprint at the end to push past some of the other racers.

This morning she executed the plan to perfection.

Our little athlete took the lead from the start. For almost the entire 1600 metres, she had one girl keeping pace right behind. Sometimes 3 feet, sometimes 20. (Yes I'm mixing units of measure, but feet are what I visualize here).

The last stretch, the two girls were side by side. One would go ahead, the other would catch up. Leah said that she had never run faster in her life. Neck and neck the last 20 feet, Leah managed to thrust her shoulders over the finish line ahead of the other girl. All she could hear was "I see green" from the race judge. Leah had to look down at her, yes, green shirt to confirm that she indeed had won that hard fought contest.

What a thrill to hear her on the phone telling me she had won. What pride hearing her recount the race to us at dinner time. What a kid!

Post Script

Thanks to a mom of one of Leah's team mates for the following pictures from the meet:

At the starting line

In the lead